Cayman Islands: a political tragedy in paradise
Gilbert Connolly writes: This article focuses on the historical and current role of the Caymanian politician in providing, or not providing, socio-economic and political protection for the Caymanian people. It assumes that Caymanians are the first responsibility of local politicians. It also asserts that politicians are responsible for the unemployment and unacceptable economic and social conditions that many Caymanians find themselves in today. I have presented several socio-economic issues which I believe demonstrate how politicians have failed in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The primary responsibility of any government, including the Cayman Islands Government, is to protect the individual rights and freedoms of its citizens. Governments have many other responsibilities, such as managing the economy, providing equal opportunity, and ensuring the rule of law and justice, just to name a few.
Politicians are elected to form and manage the government, which provides protection and services for the people. In this context, protection does not mean protection from attacks from external hostile forces, which is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. However, it means ensuring the legal rights and economic opportunities of its citizens within its borders are protected.
Early vision – Cayman Protection Law 1971
Caymanian politicians of the 1950s and ’60s understood the economic change that was about to take place – with the development of the tourism industry in the 1960s – and had a clear vision of the need to protect the economic and political rights of Caymanians. Therefore, in 1971 the Caymanian Protection Law was passed.
The Memorandum of Objects and Reasons of the law states that “there has arisen a grave risk that the social character of the Islands as well as the way of life of the population may be adversely affected by the influx of private and business settlers, and other consequential factors”.
What great foresight and wisdom displayed by our forefathers to predict some of the changes that would take place in our society! The politicians of the day wanted to send a clear message as to what was the main purpose of the law; hence the title Caymanian Protection Law was chosen.
Based on the stated purpose of the law, it is also reasonable to infer that our forefathers also intended to provide a framework of protection for future politicians to build on. They saw the beginning of a new economic future for the Cayman Islands and for Caymanians and realised that the development of the islands would require specialized and skilled labour. However, they also realised that future labour needs should not be met at the expense of disenfranchising Caymanian workers.
In other words, the politicians back then wanted Caymanians to own their share of the economic pie and the law provided a framework for that vision to be realised. Prior to the transformation of Cayman’s economy from seafearing endeavours to tourism and financial services, Cayman produced the captains, chief engineers and other skilled mariners, whose income kept the Cayman economy functioning. Therefore, in that kind of economy there was no need to protect jobs for Caymanians.
Regrettably, the Hansard in the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly (LA) will show that the Caymanian Protection Law 1971 was amended by subsequent politicians until it died a slow and painful death. The demise of the Caymanian Protection Law took away the political and economic protection that our forefathers intended for Caymanians.
Realignment of the Caymanian worker
The erosion of the Caymanian Protection Law opened floodgates to foreign workers of all skill levels who were allowed into the Cayman Islands. No record was found of a government study to assist politicians in understanding the risks of importing foreign workers. There is no record to show that politicians understand the advantages and disadvantages of importing workers to form Cayman’s middle class, as opposed to educating and training Caymanians to take on this role.
Doctors, lawyers and other professionals were paid high salaries and eventually given Caymanian Status as a bonus, just for showing up for work. Caymanians who made similar commitment to serving the country were thrown overboard and left to swim or drown.
It is accepted that work plays an important role on the individual level as well as on the larger societal level. On the individual level, a job strengthens family bonds, and gives structure and meaning to life. Most importantly, jobs provide the financial means by which a person can access and purchase necessary goods and services.
However, when politicians intervene in the marketplace, as in the case of the Cayman Islands, and create obstacles (work permits) to the natural distribution of jobs, the result is unemployment and social instability. In the Cayman experience, Caymanians are marginalized. They lose self-esteem, must accept government handouts, and many turn to crime and other questionable activities to survive. This kind of environment also invites political manipulation of jobs to maintain political power.
Decades after the transformation of Cayman’s economy, the indications are the politicians still have not learnt about the risk and economic impact that foreign workers have on the economy. For example, do they understand the impact of funds sent home monthly by foreign workers have on the economy? Do they understand the impact that foreign workers have on the island’s physical infrastructure and services?
Equally important, do they understand the risk and the impact that the grant of Caymanian Status has on our political system of government? For example, if you have a concentration of Caymanian Status holders forming the majority of voters in an electoral district, what is the impact on our elections? In addition, we know that large numbers of unskilled foreign workers are forced to live in deplorable housing conditions, thereby adding to Cayman’s poorest class.
Consequential factors of development
Today Cayman is known for its natural beauty, tourism and financial industries. For a long time, politicians have attempted to portray Cayman as a paradise with no problems.
One of the problems they have denied is the existence of any poverty in the islands. Anyone who has paid attention would know that there are far too many Caymanians living in poverty and suffering just to survive the daily challenges of life. Between the glitter of new buildings Cayman’s poverty becomes the “invisible poverty”, unless you know where to look. In many regional countries, poverty is clearly visible through the existence of shanty towns or slums.
Cayman’s poverty and suffering are not concentrated in just one area; therefore, it is less visible to the unknowing eye. Those of us who have been around long enough to remember having to use outside toilets, cook on the ground, and sleep on plantain leaves mattresses would know that poverty has always been part of the Cayman experience.
However, there is a difference between poverty then and poverty now. Then, Caymanians did not go hungry or lose their dignity because they were poor. Today, poor Caymanians have lost their dignity, and far too many go hungry.
I have had the opportunity to work for the Elections Office during four elections and in the discharge of my responsibilities, I have visited hundreds of homes in the George Town District. I have seen the new kind of poverty and suffering on a larger scale than most people. This kind of poverty and suffering is not restricted to George Town but is present throughout the islands.
Many more Caymanians would go to bed hungry at nights if it was not for charities that deliver food on a regular basis. How many of our children go to school hungry? In a recent article “Effects of Crime on Society” it is stated: “Numerous government studies have shown clear links between poverty and increased crime levels. These studies show that people exposed to poverty and the inherent challenges are more likely to commit crime”.
Cayman’s prison is overflowing with prisoners and the government will have to find additional space to house them. In today’s Cayman society we have gangs and a growing drug culture. Published statistics state that in 2017 the police processed 2,500 criminals. The politicians approve an annual budget of CI$60,000-70,000 to maintain each prisoner at Northward Prison and CI$16,000 per year scholarship for our young Caymanians to go overseas to get an education.
In other words, Cayman is better at producing criminals than educating Caymanians to be productive citizens and grow our middle class. What if the government was spending CI$70,000 per year on scholarships for deserving young Caymanians to attend the best universities possible? This budget allocation is indeed a misguided prioritization of national needs. I believe that this fact alone is enough to indict our politicians for political mismanagement.
We know that once you are criminalized your chances of playing a full and productive role in society is significantly reduced. Why are young Caymanians choosing a life of crime? This is another complex question which deserves a full and complete answer. I argue that it is largely due to the lack of planning by our politicians. Politics is not an exact science, but that is not an excuse for not planning for the future of the Caymanian people.
I acknowledge that family and discipline play a role in this problem as well. It is interesting to note that on a per capita basis, Cayman is producing criminals at a faster rate than most industrialized nations. Do our politicians really understand the causes of these deviant social changes in our society and why we have gone from a law-abiding society to a lawless society? Does the government have a national plan to address these issues?
Political inertia
So why have Caymanians stood quietly on the sidelines while politicians give away their birthrights and mismanaged the government? This is a complex question which demands in-depth research by social scientists. In a 2007 paper titled “Colonialism and Psychology of Culture” by Nancy Abelmann, she states, “Although still rare, there are emerging efforts to identify and examine ways in which the psychological functioning of individuals has been affected by their own or their nation-colonial past.”
The research shows that there is a direct correlation between colonialism and the colonized individual’s psychological mindset. In most case studies, the colonized individual has exhibited an inferior mentality when compared with outsiders. In Cayman, it is common knowledge that Caymanians believe that anyone or anything imported from abroad is superior to anyone or anything Caymanian.
Based on the research on this subject, I have concluded that the underlying factor contributing to Caymanians’ lack of involvement in the political process is the colonial experience. In other words, our colonial masters have taught us to depend on foreigners for leadership and management of our affairs.
Whatever the reason, my argument is that where a group of people considers themselves inferior or believe they are incapable of managing their own affairs, they will look to the outside for someone who is considered superior to manage it for them.
In the interest of clarity, let me hasten to add that an individual’s inferior mentality due to colonialism is not limited to Caymanians but includes other nationalities that suffered the colonial experience. Needless to say, there is no evidence to support the notion that Caymanians are mentally inferior, although they are conditioned to believe that.
If this assumption is true, then it could explain why Caymanians have allowed politicians to give away their birthright and mismanage the influx of foreign workers, while Caymanians are unemployed and suffering.
It is unconscionable and indefensible that a government can issue 25,000 work permits to foreign workers while thousands of Caymanians are unable to find work. Particularly troubling are young Caymanians who go away to get their academic qualifications only to be told when they return that there are no jobs. This is yet another example that politicians are more concerned with protecting the interest of their rich business friends than caring about the needs of the average Caymanian. This also demonstrates that politicians are driven to protect the needs of special interest handlers and the family business, not the needs of the average Caymanians.
What role do Caymanians play in today’s society? Anyone that is knowledgeable about Cayman’s private sector will recognise that Caymanians do not hold key decision-making positions. This is also true of the Civil Service, but to a lesser degree. For example, if you look at employment agencies and HR positions in the large private sector organisations, with few exceptions, these are all held by foreigners. They are by default the gatekeepers to Caymanian jobs. Who do you believe that the foreign HR staff are hiring?
If Caymanians are not owners and managers of businesses in this country they are no better than “modern day slaves”. Caymanians keep the utility companies, the supermarkets and other businesses going. Those Caymanians that have jobs and can find the financial means to fulfil the role of consumer are being limited due to the high cost of living. Of course, foreign workers must consume these goods and services as well.
Added to this is the fact that unscrupulous professionals and businesses are ripping Caymanians off left, right and center – what I call “legalised robbery”. The individual who steals CI$10 is sent to prison but unscrupulous businesses can steal thousands of dollars with impunity, foreclose on people’s homes and politicians look the other way. Where is the protection for Caymanian consumers?
On the subject of Caymanian unemployment, the PPM government had five years to fix the problem, however each initiative has failed, simply because their solution focuses on creating systems with unnecessary red tape. Instead, their focus should be on implementing a system based on common sense and proven techniques. The majority of unemployed Caymanians do not want handouts, they just want jobs. Our government is good at fixing global unemployment but is clueless on how to protect jobs for Caymanians.
The melting pot myth
In the beginning, it was just easier to import a middle class, as opposed to training and developing our own Caymanian people. Today, the anti-Caymanian advocates use other rationales to justify the continuing importation of foreign workers. Some of the more popular reasons given are that the employers have a need for cheap workers, work permits issued to foreign workers are an important source of revenue for government, and a need to grow the population so that there more consumers to sustain businesses.
Tied to the politician’s argument of growing Cayman’s population is the idea that Cayman is a melting pot in which Caymanians are maintaining a dominant presence. I do not accept this argument. What I see is a melting pot in which Caymanians are melting into extinction.
Given the recent increase in the number of foreign workers in the civil service, it begs the following questions: What happened to the policy of Caymanization of the civil service? Who introduced the new policy? Where were the senior civil servants when this new policy was being developed? Where was the Civil Service Association? Is anyone accountable for introducing this new policy in government?
The age-old question asked by many Caymanians is perhaps more relevant today: Who are we developing for? You just have to look at the unemployed Caymanians and the suffering in the islands to arrive at the answer. Certainly not for Caymanians. Project after project, the politicians give away government concessions and taxpayer dollars, promising jobs and other benefits for the Caymanian people. Sadly, after each project is completed, what we see are hundreds of foreign workers and a token number of Caymanian workers.
Cayman Islands politicians asleep
When it comes to protecting the interest of Caymanians, our politicians have fallen asleep on the job. An occasional nap could be excused, but permanent sleeping is a dereliction of responsibility. Day after day, year after year, they sit in the LA as quiet as a church mouse, only rousing themselves to eat and to pass another law that disenfranchises Caymanians.
There has been the occasional political voice crying in the wilderness, Caymanians first! Caymanians first! Caymanians first! But the others were fast asleep and did not hear the prophetic words that Caymanians would need to be protected against discrimination and unfair employment practices. Nor had they read the Caymanian Protection Law 1971.
The serjeant-at-arms woke them for lunch, where they ate turtle meat and talked about the next raise of pay they intended to give themselves. As they went into the LA Chamber for the afternoon session, the future looked bright. They were confident the people would not question their performance if their attendance at upcoming weddings and funerals was well managed. Re-elected was guaranteed.
Five decades after the Caymanian Protection Law was passed, and subsequently exorcised for all things Caymanian, there is still no law protecting the rights of the Caymanian people. This is a far cry from what our forefathers had envisaged. Furthermore, there is no national plan to produce a Caymanian middle class. There is no national plan to reserve specific jobs and industries for Caymanians. There is no national plan to preserve land for future generation of Caymanians, if they exist, to build their homes.
When will we improve our education and technical training to a level where employers can no longer reject Caymanians on the ground of an inferior Cayman education? This perception, real or not, must change. This is the acid test for our education system. Until our local graduates can stand equal with our overseas graduates in our employers’ minds, then we are just wasting money on education.
If you come from a prominent Caymanian family, have political connections with the government or are a member of the old boy’s club, then your Caymanian experience will be quite different from what I describe here. A few of you have prevailed against the odds and are also doing well. You are lucky to be living the Caymanian dream, not the nightmare. However, I would urge you to remember that while you may live in gated communities, politicians cannot protect you from the wrath of the have-nots.
The future
Are politicians preparing Caymanians for the next chapter in their political evolution? I don’t think so! Show me the plan. When that time comes will they need to open the floodgates again for foreign help? Cayman needs politicians with a vision for Caymanians that inspires the nation to greater achievements. We need politicians that inspire hope and national pride amongst the people. We need politicians that will lead by example and are prepared to make sacrifices on behalf of the Caymanian people.
On the other hand, if Caymanians are to stop or reverse the political tragedy that has befallen them they must become more involved in the political process and hold their politicians to a higher standard of accountability. We can also hope that the new MLAs will have the courage to fight to change the repressive political culture existing in the LA. While politicians have let the Caymanian people down, it must be said that they are elected under a democratic system; therefore, the people get the government they elect and deserve. Change will only come when the people demand and make the change.
If Caymanians no longer matter and politicians can no longer offer protection specific to Caymanians, then they need to tell the people the truth. The government has publicity stated that there are plans to amend the Cayman Islands Constitution sometime soon. Hopefully, this time the amendments will include protections specific to the Caymanian people.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled unanimously that because “freedom of political debate is at the very core of the concept of a democratic society …the limits of acceptable criticism are accordingly wider as regards a politician as such than regards private individuals”.
Consistent with this established principle, I have concluded that Cayman politicians, past and present, have failed to protect the economic, social and political interests of the Caymanian people. I would argue that the failure by politicians to provide good governance that protects the interest of Caymanians is a national disgrace that rises to the level of betrayal of the Caymanian people.
Artist Edward Langley said it best: “What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.”
Gilbert Connolly is a retired Cayman Islands senior civil servant.
I know we in a big mess.
Anyone actually read all of this? It’s like a novel. So long …
YES, I read EVERY word and they ring true to me. I also read novels and I encourage you to do more reading also.
I would like to hear from the 96%+ Caymanians that are employed. Many of them are doing quite well for themselves. Why is it that the 4%, most of whom don’t really want a 9-5 job, get all of the attention? If you are another wannabe politician, take note…96 votes beats 4 all day long.
First, Mr. Connolly is an intelligent man. One can appreciate many of the items he references. Very few would argue that many if not the majority of Caymanians are indeed struggling and are disenfranchised.
However, in this commenter’s view, the start to this downward spiral was precisely the protection law. Unfortunately many younger generations have lost the ability to see the ripple effect. But that first pebble thrown in the pond was in 1971.
Caymanians of the older times were a very hardy and working class group. Hard work was not lost on those generations and the ability and fortitude to adapt to environmental changes was not lost on them. However, the introduction of two new unfamiliar pillars of the economy should have required the children of those families to adapt to the new criteria of hard work. However, there was no incentive to adapt. The protection law ensured Caymanians had their place in the new landscape, and all Caymanians had to do was show up. They did not need to produce the same results as expat peers, just simply show up. The increase in workers was reflective of the increase in available work. However few Caymanians rose to the challenge of producing results. How many Caymanians avoided creating results and manipulated the system and work environment to their benefit, by simply threatening to write to immigration. How many actual wrote those letters.
The result is successive generations of entitlement mentality, coupled with an extremely poor education system, and welfare state attitude has created a very real problem.
Personal responsibility is the only real solution. Pull up your bootstraps and buckle down. Go out every day to create results to better yourself and your community.
This person gets it! Kudos for a great comment.
The well worn excuse, blame it all on colonialism. This country would still be full of swamp, mosquitoes and poor Caymanians if it was not for the influx of expats in the early seventies with their expertise in banking, fund management,international law and accounting.
Please remember the financial industry has provided many hundreds of generous scholarships to Caymanians over the years and have employed large numbers of Caymanians who have gone on to achieving their professional qualifications.
Expatriates have unquestionably done well here, but it’s a two way street, as many more job opportunities have been opened to locals in the professions.
BS, I was hired along with a few others in the 1970’s by one well known High Street operation ostensibly as trainees. No training happened so we all left after we found out it was only window dressing to bring in some expats and they wanted it to look good for the Work Permits.
The path to hell is paved with good intentions, and empoverished mediocrity is founded on entitlements.
Mr Connolly I would love to view your “ research”. There are so many false statements, this is only political grandstanding!
Self-pitying entitlement lade guff. If a Caymanian can’t make it in Cayman they are not good enough to make it. Period. Many who are not good enough make it with all the help they get from the protectionist system in play.
Rubbish!!
And many who are good enough to make it will make it because the protectionist system gives them the chance. I’ve worked with foreign owned companies that have willfully limited and turned away Caymanian applicants for their own people in other countries. @4:29 you are either ignorant or have never worked in a foreign owned company.
Perhaps 4:29 is the owner of one of those foreign companies. People like 4:29 is a huge part of the Caymanian problem. And, sorry 4:29, if you are a Caymanian, you are an even bigger part of our problem!
Very well written article, Mr. Connolly, and very thought-provoking. I agree with all you’ve said. The question now is, how to change it. If we don’t have the political will, it will be very difficult to effect change. The politicians keep “throwing a bone” at the poor, who will keep the politicians in power because they are getting something for nothing. Didn’t they just increase the monthly allowance to the poor? Yes, they did. And they will continue to do that. As my brother says, “the poor don’t have it, the rich don’t care, the middle class is being squeezed to death”. The middle class in Cayman will soon be non-existent, as you’ve said. Economically, it is a bad place to be. Cayman will soon be only for the rich and famous because they are mostly the ones who could afford to live here. Very sad for the average Caymanian, who is continuing to sell his land and leaving nothing for future generations. But the cost of living is so high here, I suppose his options are limited. Very regrettable. What to do?
It amazes me that nothing has changed over the last 40 years. Cayman has sold it’s soul along time ago. It has chased the almighty dollar for a long time. What happened to the Cayman of the late 70. Yes we have more buildings, we have more rich people. Take a honest look Cayman is owned by outside forces.
“Doctors, lawyers and other professionals were paid high salaries and eventually given Caymanian Status as a bonus, just for showing up for work.”
I found this to be an absolute pile of protectionist BS. You really think people in those professions just show up and sit behind a desk all day to collect a check?
12:40 pm, what about the scholarships that were given and are still being given to those Same people children. Who could best afford to pay for their children’s education? Them.
@ 2:30pm . You said that Cayman don’t have better leaders to choose from . How can you say that , when someone like Mr. Connelly is pointing out they are doing wrong to you and all other Caymanians .
Talk is cheap. Who is going to take action. No one.
You’ll see!
Moral of the story:
* You are OWED education and employment based on your nationality (Merit irrelevant).
* And because you are OWED this, if you don’t get it, it means someone VICTIMIZED you, and as such:
*Reperation should be made to your entilements.
Because we all know, schools, universities and businesses function, and are olbligated to provide for YOU, regardless of their interests, or the value of your services and competency.
Good luck with that.
Very true but unpopular with the many vocal self interest groups. I note that even the “honorable” Ms O’Connor Connolly has shown the governments convenient adoption of the expat rant of unemployed = unemployable when indicating she is focusing on ensuring unemployment doesn’t climb. Alden is the most destructive leader you have ever had. Show him you realize what he has done when you next see him in public.
9:43am How do you do that without a gun?
As many other commenters have noted this is just so much Trump style naysaying without any sense of the nuances involved or any specific proposals.
I’m the best protectionist. I’ve got the best immigration policies. Those guys are losers. You’re going to get so much protection you’ll be sick of winning.
You could use a Trump. MCGA!
Populist arguments are popular for a reason. They’re also often extremely short-sighted and detrimental in the long run. In this instance, the argument should be how to raise the lowest among us, rather than cap the source of our growth over the past decades. This viewpoint also posits that this has been a failing of our politicians, which has some truth to it, but it fails to acknowledge our failures as parents, business owners, and as a community. Perhaps that’s because to look at our situation holistically leads to a jagged little pill that’s hard for the electorate to swallow?
As I am understanding and seeing what Mr. Connelly is saying , is the government is 90% to blamed for these issues, and 10% blame for the voting Caymanians , for letting the politicians do it and let them continue doing it, and keep voting /electing them back to govern .
If we look at WHO makes these Laws and regulations and sell the employment opportunities from the Caymanians , who has the rights under the Constitution to be protected , we will understand the situation much better .
I agree with most of your argument. I believe our problems stems also from not having enough Caymanian teachers. The first School teacher in Grand Cayman was “Smiley Connolly”, was he a relative of yours? He was the teacher who got his education in Jamaica from English Professors? He was also married to a woman from Pairs France? I believe that was the picture I saw of him in a old newspaper. He was the teacher for Merren’s, Coe, Panton and other business owners from South Sound. Other Caymanian teachers like Clifton Hunter, Vernon Jackson, etc. They were the ones who set Cayman’s youth in motion. We were bonded in blood and Christ we could talk to anyone and make them see the potentials of the future. You were guaranteed a job when you came out. Government, banking, insurance, Hotels etc. Because after school you had on the job training. Who had bank training still to this day. You pass a math and english test, you qualify. The rest you learn on the job. Today a bar back needs experience and starts at $4.50 per hour plus tips at Ritz? Come on this is ridiculous, minimum salaries have to start at least at CI$ 10 per hour. It is obvious this is the money needed to encourage people to work. Otherwise crime will take over. We instead will have to build a bigger jail every 5 years.
Yes we need a high school but why is a double digit million dollar one needed? It’s the teacher not a concrete building that will make the difference.
Thanks Gilbert, for stating the FACTS.
Rules of Internet No. 62: Those who use capitals are best ignored.
Caymanians can not manage on these Big Business low pay…..that is the
Reason our jails are over flowing….Caymanians are ambitious….but onky
A few reap the benifits……leaving the majority of our population to stuggle.
Or escape either through illegal means or leaving the island.Sad but true.
What a very thought provoking article. I’m strongly of the view, like the author, that the answer is Caymanians taking greater responsibity for their own future – and I don’t necessarily mean independence. Take the tax concessions on the island – the money handed over to (mainly) foreign businesses through these creates an unfair playing field as well as starving the public purse. But not one word from ANY politician.
BTW I am not Caymanian
This is a wildly one-sided article. Rather than looking at the positives and negatives and reaching a conclusion, it starts with a conclusion and then paints in ONLY a narrative to support it.
Do I think that the Government gets the development of Caymanian employment right? Not really.
But, it isn’t the presence of expats that does that. In fact, I would argue that the growth of international business based in Cayman provides a great opportunity for Caymanian employment that the Government fails to capitalise on. However, without that business platform and the work permit revenue it brings, we’d be in even more trouble.
Try asking yourself where Caymanians would be if you had no expat money or business and the same inept policies to grow employment. That’s a scary thought.
Every time a Caymanian speaks to the reality of Cayman’s present existence a hidden fervor for Caymanian trashing enunciatedas “ where you would be without us arises”. There is the fact that these proponents seem to have forgotten and that is “if Cayman was not here where would you be”.
If your the immigrant worker really looked carefully at your circumstances, you should be eternally grateful that we have provided you with opportunities that you would not have back in ya own country in ya own yard. You would never have the ability to enjoy our climate our beaches , the very high salaries that you command not necessarily because you are more knowledgeable but because you have the advantage of being if the same caste, the same country or knowing someone who knows someone who assist you. Yet we yes the Natives which so many of you wish to and do disparage have to be second class citizens because of your network. We need to stop this nonsensev from you people and you should seriously be grateful that we are who we are to date. You all n you still examine yourselves and respect your hosts, not come lain when we speak but guide yourselves like others do and adapt and move neglect and assist and get along before all that you hold as paradise is no more. The brow article should serve as a reminder to all who come amongst us. Peace be unto you :
*CANADIAN MAYOR REFUSES TO REMOVE PORK FROM SCHOOL CANTEEN MENU* and EXPLAINS WHY
Muslim parents demanded the abolition of pork in all the school canteens of a Montreal suburb. The mayor of the Montreal suburb of Dorval has refused, and the town-clerk sent a note to all parents to explain why. Here’s that note:
“Muslims must understand that they have to adapt to Canada and Quebec, its customs, its traditions, its way of life, because that’s where they chose to immigrate.
“They must understand that they have to integrate and learn to live in Quebec.
“They must understand that it is for them to change their lifestyle, not the Canadians who so generously welcomed them.
“They must understand that Canadians are neither racist nor xenophobic, they accepted many immigrants before Muslims (whereas the reverse is not true, in that Muslim states do not accept non-Muslim immigrants).
“That no more than other nations, Canadians are not willing to give up their identity, their culture.
“And if Canada is a land of welcome, it’s not the Mayor of Dorval who welcomes foreigners, but the Canadian-Quebecois people as a whole.
“Finally, they must understand that in Canada (Quebec) with its Judeo-Christian roots, Christmas trees, churches and religious festivals, religion must remain in the private domain.
The municipality of Dorval was right to refuse any concessions to Islam and Sharia.
“For Muslims who disagree with secularism and do not feel comfortable in Canada, there are 57 beautiful Muslim countries in the world, most of them under-populated and ready to receive them with open halal arms in accordance with Sharia.
“If you left your country for Canada, and not for other Muslim countries, it is because you have considered that life is better in Canada than elsewhere.
“Ask yourself the question, just once, “Why is it better here in Canada than where you come from?” ‘A canteen with pork’ is part of the answer.”
*****************
*EXEMPLARY*
Share this to *PROMOTE TOLERANCE* in the world. This is what should be adopted by all countries. ????
????????????
So many people come here and expect to change it to fit their ways of life, their views. When in Rome do what the Romans do! If you want little London or little New York? Why did you leave that so wonderful and glorious of places?
Self-serving comment
You call it ‘self-serving’ it is also known as ‘the truth’.
11:01pm, ask how many expats were on this rock in the 1970-80s, working in the banks and law firms? Caymanians were employed and performed all the tacks. So why all of a sudden we need expats to fill the posts.
I know qualified young people who have applied for jobs and some have not even had a reply or acknowledgement of their supplications or they are given a lopsided line.
I’d like to see the CV of the qualified. All I hear is that Caymanians are qualified but never given a chance but I never see the CV or the proof they are. My mom says I’m great so I should get the job isn’t real world and Cayman plays with the real world now.
As a Caymanian I tried getting jobs when I moved back to Cayman 5 years ago. I had 7 years prior retail sales experience and 5 years banking and after 4 months of sending out CV’s and filling out applications I received 1.. ONE… O N E reply and that was for Butterfield. Despite the numerous ads for shop managers and bank staff for departments I had all my experience in. 1 single reply. I know for a fact some of those jobs went to expats because I went around to the stores and bank out of curiosity and found expats in the retail stores so obviously the ads were for the sake of WP’s so they could say they advertised with no intention of hiring and the bank positions were filled by expats from branches from other countries which said not only was there no one local applying with the skills needed, which was a crock of shyte, but their own staff was apparently unqualified, also a crock of shyte, in addition to advertising with no intend of hiring to simply fill a WP.
So file a complaint! You would win if your story is the truth! Why wouldn’t you do that? Seems like you wanted to play investigator but not finish the job. Maybe that’s more telling about why you didn’t get call backs. I’m not trying to be rude, I really think if you are qualified then you should be considered I just really have a hard time wrapping my head around all these stories.
We need a Lol button.You definatly don’t get it. Complain ?? To who ?
Some of what you say is true. Please tell us how you propose to fix all these problems. Are you planning to run for office.
Yes Mr Connolly is very much right in everything he said . I hope that every registered Caymanian voter reads this VIEW POINT and understands it , and see how they are been thrown out along with the bath water . STOP voting for them because they might give you $50 around election time and clean up job for a week . LOOK at everything that was done by the politician you voted for , and see if what he/she did benefited you , or who it benefits , then you will be able to make a smart and intelligent vote comes next election.
When those politicians see that in the voters , they will give you the RIGHTS that you are entitled to by the Constitution .
Very good article! The conclusions are spot on! Particularly the often cited quote on demoncratic elections: The voters get the kind of government they elect and deserve!
Mr. Gilbert, you are absolutely correct in your assertions.
You need look no further than the “house” for your answers.
I adjure you by all that is good to unite your people and tear down this cabal of thugs and pretenders who hold sway over the people.
Gilbert speaks of the government’s responsibility to protect rights and freedoms. It is still beyond me why students no longer have the right to wear their hair as they please. Even if it must be “neat and tidy” and not distracting, to make a boy child cut a very tame ponytail that he has had all is life is just ridiculous. Acceptance. Tolerance.
Why are you caught up with having school rules changed?
You as a parent should teaching your son or daughter to respect authority! Yes, we have laws today that seem unnecessary, but still we respect authority. We don’t bash it! Discipline is part of the education environment of schools! SHAME ON YOU IF YOU DO THIS IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILD!
Please stop it! It is folk like you that is causing our youth not to get jobs!
Conforming to school rules is the first step for a child to understand that society has a structure, it has laws and regulations. apparently some parents forget this. Parents need to try and remember that schools are not nannies you hire and tell them how to raise your child. A school is the place the go to learn to be part of societal group. If more parents supported the schools instead of tearing them down over every little thing we might see better people coming out of them instead of more thugs.
How many of those parents/critics attend PTA of HSA meetings?
Not a lot and those that do come to bitch how the school is raising their kids.
6:55pm, the lunatic parents heads should be examined to see if they have brains or water inside.
too much selfish inward looking….
maybe you should write a piece on the the many benefits of the expats of cayman and the fact that this place could not exist without them.
excuse the political incorrectness…
but what do you expect when a poorly educated electorate elects small minded,selfish, poorly educated locals who are only in it for an easy pay fat pay-cheque
cayman gets what it deserves. you discriminate against the best and brightest in your country by not allowing expat status holders to run for election.
That is incorrect. Fulfill the residency requirement and get naturalised and anyone can stand for election.
incorrect…
It seems you either can’t or haven’t read the Elections Law.
Yes in a same way a Caymanian could go to the US and run for officer. STFU!
Well said Sir. It is a national travesty that we now have several Chief Officers in Government who have no Caymanian roots at all. How can this be? Some of them make no excuses to hiring foreigners at all and perpetuate the colonial practices.
Cayman has become a place where it will be impossible for Caymanians to retire in their golden years due to the cost of living.
To compound this travesty, the Government has announced they are cutting back on training of Caymanians by introducing a means test for parents who need scholarships for their children’s university education. While at the same time declaring a surplus budget. What’s the sense of this when there are 25,000 Work Permits issued. We need a well educated and trained Caymanian workforce now and in the future. Education is the only way forward.
You’re on a tiny island that is doing much better than all the other tiny islands so someone has been doing something right. If you decide to insist on proper education, things may improve even more; otherwise where you are now is as good as it gets. You don’t have any better leaders to choose from.